It's Recycle Week - 5 cool things to do with your old umbrellas

1. MAKE A BAT COSTUME

Old umbrellas can make great bat wings, and even the ears are made from umbrella parts!
Find out how to make this masterpiece, step by step, here: http://www.evilmadscientist.com/2006/how-to-build-a-better-bat-costume

2. MAKE A DECORATIVE FLOWER DISPLAY

Use some decorative ribbon to tie a nice bow part way up the umbrella so that the flowers can sit in at the required height. Buy a nice bouquet of flowers (or you can use plastic flowers) and create a nice arrangement. Only use half of the umbrella if you plan on a door hanging or use flowers all the way round if you plan on standing the umbrella in a pot.
Idea & Picture courtesy of http://greenparadisehomes.com

3. CREATE A CHANDELIER

If your long stick umbrella has a torn canopy, but the frame is still intact have a go at this new take on the classic Crystal Chandelier.

4. CREATE A NEW WORK OF ART

Art has no limitations. Check out this dress made out of a broken umbrella, bubble wrap, and buttons for an art installation in Chicago.

5. CREATE A POOCH PONCHO.

This lovely pink jacket was created by Recycling Zychal  out of old umbrella canopies, but if you are handy with a sewing machine why not have a go yourself.